“The Table of Grace: Where Love And Betrayal Meet”

The Book of Mark

Encountering The Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ

Good morning brothers and sisters. Welcome to Eastern Shore Baptist Church. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here at ESBC. You are our welcome guests and we are glad that you chose to worship with us this morning. Since the start of the summer we have been walking through Mark’s Gospel. In fact, after this week, we have three weeks left in this series. We will conclude Mark’s Gospel on September 15th when we celebrate and remember our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross through Christian Communion.

Communion is one of the most interesting and symbolic practices that we find in Holy Scripture. Communion finds its roots in the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. If you remember, the Lord instituted a “Passover” celebration or feast that would take place the night before God’s people would be set from the tyranny and oppression of the Egyptians. The Israelites would gather by families, sandals on their feet, belts around their waist. Ready to go and expected to move. They would eat unleveled bread, drink wine, and eat of unblemished animals sacrificed as offerings to God. Before the animals were prepared to eat, their blood would be caught in a basin and painted on the doorposts of each Israelite door frame. This was done so that when the Angel of the Lord came into Egypt, he would see the blood on the door and “Passover” that home, sparing the lives with in. For those whose homes were not marked with the blood, the Angel would enter and take the life of the first born.

Jesus and His disciples are in Jerusalem. Jesus was doing what any Rabbi would be doing, He was remembering the Passover with His family. He was setting the table, not just for a Passover supper, He was setting the table for His crucifixion.

You know what I often forget about Jesus’ Last Supper? I forget that Judas was there. The Last Supper is remembered in all four Gospel accounts. Mark focuses His attention on the words of Jesus but John’s Gospel focuses on the actions of Christ. Listen to what John remembers,

John 13:4-9 ERV

So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. [5] Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers' feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist. [6] He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, "Lord, you should not wash my feet." [7] Jesus answered, "You don't know what I am doing now. But later you will understand." [8] Peter said, "No! You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "If I don't wash your feet, you are not one of my people." [9] Simon Peter said, "Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!"

You know, it’s ok with me that Jesus washed Peter’s feet. It doesn’t bother me that He washed Phillip’s feet. You know good and well that Bartholomew, with a name like Bartholomew, had some stinky feet. I bet the disciples even called him “Barth”. Anyone nicknamed “Barth” has to have some nasty feet. Jesus washed his feet too. Im fine with it all.

Well…maybe not all.

I tend to forget that Judas was there, in the room, eating with Jesus. Jesus washed Peter, James, John, Andrew, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, the other James, Jude, and Simon the Zelot’s feet. He served them. He fed them. He provided for them. Taught them.

The only problem is that Judas was there too. Jesus washed his feet too. Jesus served him, fed him, provided for him, and taught Judas. You see, if Judas wasn’t there, if Judas was absent, missing, MIA, that would change how we treat our enemies. But Judas was there. He wasn’t absent. Jesus washed Judas’ feet and because He washed Judas’ feet, I too must wash the feet of my enemies. I must treat my betrayer kindly, showing grace to those who hate me, grant mercy to those that may hurt me, speak ill against me, or want to do my family harm. Judas was there, Jesus washed His feet, therefore I have no excuse to love those who do not love me in return.

Today’s message is entitled “The Table of Grace: Where Love And Betrayal Meet”. This morning I want to do everything that I can to reveal to you the 3 promises of “The Last Supper”.

Today’s Message:

“The Table of Grace: Where Love And Betrayal Meet”

You and I both know that there are far more than 3 promises but we only have so much time this morning. Before we discuss that, fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. The Last Supper was more than a meal, it was a message about mercy.

Today’s Thought:

The Last Supper…More Than A Meal, It Was A Message About Mercy!

You know the last supper was featured prominently in the news a few weeks go. Many of you saw the opening ceremonies of the Olympics held in Paris. During the ceremony there was a depiction that was clearly influenced, if not directly illustrating, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper”. The person at the center of the depiction was a man dressed in drag with a halo over his head. The other people who were stand ins for the disciples, who lined the runway made to look like a table, were members of the LGBTQ community. Essentially trans men and women dancing in provocative and sexual ways. Christians around the world were divided on how to respond to the scene. Some were angry. Some were obtuse. Some felt that praying for these non Christian lost human beings was the best answer. No matter how you responded to the depiction, it was a good reminder that this world hates Jesus, hates His message of love, of mercy, of grace, and his message of forgiveness. It’s a good reminder that no matter how people sin against God, hate Jesus Christ, there is still room at His table for them, for me, and for you. If there was room for Judas, there is room for them, room for me, room for you.

Johnathan Edwards was a puritan pastor living in the 18th century. He wrote a series of well known and often cited homilies. One of his most famous collections of writing was entitled “The Religious Affections”. Listen to what Edwards says about the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.

“Christ, in the institution of the Lord’s Supper, has left a lasting memorial of His dying love to the church. In this ordinance, we see Christ’s body broken and His blood shed for the remission of sins.”

Blood shed for sinner. Blood given to the salvation of all people who might hear His call to repentance.

Today’s Quote:

-Rev. Jonathan Edwards “The Religious Affections”

Background and Context:

In Mark 14:12-26, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, a moment filled with significance and symbolism.

Mark 14:12-26 captures a crucial moment as Jesus and His disciples gather to celebrate the Passover, just days before His crucifixion. Prior to this scene, tensions are high with the chief priests plotting against Jesus and a woman anointing Him at Bethany in an act of profound devotion. As they prepare for the meal, Jesus instructs His disciples with precise details, revealing His control over the unfolding events and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

In Mark 14:12-26, we come to the scene of the Passover meal, an event that marks the beginning of what we now call the Lord’s Supper. Jesus instructs His disciples to prepare for the Passover in a specific way, symbolizing His control over the events unfolding and His fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. During the meal, Jesus transforms the Passover bread and wine into symbols of His body and blood, instituting the new covenant. This new covenant promises redemption and eternal life through His impending sacrifice. Following this passage, Jesus will face His trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, underscoring the immense love and sacrifice He demonstrated. As we reflect on this passage, let’s remember the depth of Jesus’ love and the new life He offers us through His sacrifice, approaching the Lord’s Supper with gratitude and reverence.

So, before we read God’s Word together, I want to remind you that…

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It is vital for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s Word brings life, peace, and protection, and it profoundly touches the human soul. As a unique and powerful book, let us stand in reverence and respect for it.

Today’s Scripture:

Mark 14:12-25 ESV

And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" [13] And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, [14] and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' [15] And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us." [16] And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. [17] And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. [18] And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." [19] They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, "Is it I?" [20] He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. [21] For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." [22] And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." [23] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. [24] And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. [25] Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

Pastor: “This is the Word of the Lord”

Congregation: “Praise His name, praise His Holy name.”

3 Promises From “The Last Supper”!

I. The Last Supper Promises A…Cross For The Savior vs. 21

Church, you probably don’t know this but in a few weeks we will be celebrating Holy Communion right here, in this sanctuary, on September 15th. Don’t you just love Communion services? I know that I do. Communion is the Church’s opportunity to combine, come together. We gather. There is something very unifying about Communion. It is also the Church’s opportunity to connect with God. Communion is like a Time Machine, transporting us back into the upper room with the disciples. the Bible, God’s Holy Word, serves as our flux capacitor. We are there, hearing the words of Jesus. We hear Him talking, see Him teaching, and witness His example of service.

There are numerous promises that can be taken away from Jesus’ “Last Supper”. One of those promises is the promise of a cross for the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. The Last Supper points to the cross, the instrument of death, for Jesus. The Last Supper is the final chapter in Old Testament prophecy. Centuries before, prophets foretold of the death of a Savior, a Messiah. No…they did not know the name of their Redeemer, they did believe however that this Redeemer would come eventually. This man would live among us, walk in our shoes, and lay His life down for our sins. The seminary word that we use to talk about this is substitutionary atonement. Justice demands that the wrongdoer, the sinner, pay for his or her own sins. However, Jesus, being perfect, being holy, being righteous, being God, substituted Himself for me and for you. Instead of me and you paying for our sins, which justice demands, Jesus did.

The Last Supper of Jesus Christ points to this atonement.

Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest prophecies about the death of Jesus, the Messiah, saying that He would suffer and die, describing how He would be “pierced for our transgressions”. Obviously pointing to the nails that hung Jesus to the cross and the spear that pierced Jesus’ side.

Psalm 22, written by King David, contains unbelievably accurate details of Jesus’ death that parallel His crucifixion. “They have pierced my hands and feet” (Psalm 22:16) and “They divide my garments among them” (Psalm 22:18).

What about Zechariah 10:10. "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him…”

I think that one of the most amazing stories in the Old Testament that so obviously points to Christ is the story of the serpent erected on the pole in the desert during the story of Israel’s exodus. The story is in Numbers 21. Remember that story? The Lord sent vipers into the tents of His people as punishment for their sin. The vipers were biting the people, poisoning them, killing them. God commands Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole, that all those who looked upon this serpent would be immune to the bites of the vipers and they would receive salvation.

Sound familiar?

Think about it friends, the Last Supper shares two distinct elements: bread and wine. Bread that was broken and shared among friends. Wine, having the appearance of blood, passed around the table. Jesus reveals that this bread, symbolic of His body on the cross, broken for all who might receive Him. Jesus tells us that this wine, symbolic of His blood poured out on the cross, gives way to a new covenant of grace for all who call upon His name.

Oh friends, the cross of Christ is so clearly portrayed in the Last Supper. It reminds me of Paul’s words in I Corinthians 1:18…

1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

II. The Last Supper Promises…Cleansing For The Sinner vs. 24

So, the first promises of the Last Supper was a cross for the Savior.

Our second promise is a cleansing for the sinner. That’s right, the Last Supper points to the very washing away of our sins, making us clean, making us right with God. We see this in verse 24.

And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Again, the seminary word for this concept is justification.

Justification is when God moves us, you and me, from a state of sin to a state of righteousness. We are transformed from imperfect to perfect, from wicked to holy. It is the very act by which God moves a willing person from the state of injustice to the state of grace.

Think of it like this brothers and sisters. In chapter 3 of Genesis, Adam and Eve broke the one rule that God instituted in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 2:16-17 ESV

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, [17] but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Have you ever wondered why God put the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden? I mean, if God knew that Adam and Eve would disobey, why did He put the Tree there in the first place? The answer is really quite simple friends.

Choice. That’s right…choice.

Brothers and sisters, there is no love without choice. Robots do not have choice therefore robots cannot love. People without choice do not have free will and without free will, there is no love. Love cannot be forced, it must be chosen willfully. Sadly, the choice to love also lends the choice to hate, to sin, to disobey.

You know the rest of the story. Adam and Eve listen to the serpent. They disobey God and the rest is history. The world, along with Adam and Eve, fell into darkness. Their sin radically altered the state of the universe. Their sin, passed down from generation to generation, person to person. Their sin ushered in death and disease.

Their sin slid all of humanity into a state of condemnation. The Bible says that we were alienated. Colossians 1:21-23 tells us that as humans we were “hostile in mind, doing all sorts of evil” abasing God. Isaiah reminds us that we were separated from God because of our iniquities. That is just a fancy word for sin. Our separation from God has led people to murder, cheat, steal, covet, worship idols, and push the very God who created them further way. We threw our lot in with the one who wanted to destroy us. Our sin committed us to Satan. It was as if the Devil owned the deed to humanity.

In the Old Testament, there was only one way to be right with God, only one way for us to be granted forgiveness. How? Sacrifice. We had to make atonement for our sins by killing unblemished animals. There was a day, celebrated annually, called Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, where God’s people would sacrifice animals for forgiveness of their sins.

God, in His infinite love and His marvelous mercy had another plan. That plan was to send His Son, His perfect Son, to purchase us back from the Devil. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us…”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved…”.

When Jesus died on the cross, a spiritual transaction occurred, making a way for anyone and everyone to be adopted back into God’s family. Listen to the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4,

Galatians 4:4-7 ESV

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

The Last Supper is the celebration of that adoption. The Last Supper points to the defeat of sin. The Last Supper, if you remove or alter its elements, loses its symbolic power and turns it into just another meal. The Last Supper, devoid of the wine, missing the symbol of the blood, forsakes our ability to stand sinless in God’s presence.

Remember brothers and sisters, the author of Hebrews told us that “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin”.

On September 15, will you be thankful for your cleansing, thankful for your adoption into God’s family? Remember, once you were alienated, condemned, outside and in the darkness. But God…who is rich in mercy indeed.

What can wash away my sin?